Benin opposition wins 28 seats in early ballot outcomes

The primary opposition Democrats gained 28 seats whereas the Republican Bloc (BR) and Progressive Union for Renewal (UP-R) events allied with President Patrice Talon collectively gained 81 seats in Sunday’s poll, the CENA electoral authority stated.

Remaining outcomes are anticipated on Friday after a vote that went forward peacefully and in keeping with the rules, based on election observers.

4 years in the past opposition events had been successfully barred from taking part in a legislative poll attributable to a tightening of election guidelines, leading to a parliament dominated by Talon supporters.

Most of Talon’s key opponents have additionally been jailed or pressured into exile.

The 2019 vote was marred by lethal clashes in an opposition stronghold, historic low turnout and an web blackout.

Talon, a cotton magnate first elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2021, has promoted political and financial growth however critics say that has come at the price of stifling Benin’s once-vibrant multi-party democracy.

***AFP***